On Mon, 11 Mar 2002 17:41:25 -0500 "n3drk" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > I would like to be knowledgable on propagation like you noted. > How does one like myself get that knowledge? > > thanks > john >
Read as much as you can on Propagation in the ARRL Handbook, Antenna Book, CQ Books, RSGB Books, and LISTEN on the radio on all bands, at all hours, during all seasons, and all parts of the sun spot cycle. SUMMER propagation is unlike any other season, with LOWER MUF's due to solar heating of the ionosphere and higher absorption and noise on the lower frequencies. You will find the propagation programs are generally true, but often underestimate MUF's and don't show important enhancements at sunrise and sunset that appear on the Low Bands. Once you have a basic feel for how each band behaves at Sunrise and Sunset, the BEST propagation guide is a Terminator Map such as the DX Edge or a Mapping Program that shows regions of daylight and dark. W6ELPROP is a good free program available on the web. The maps are EXCELLENT. I find the high band predictions to be 'conservative', i.e., the bands usually open earlier and stay open later than shown. Participating in DX Contests is a good place to observe propagation, perhaps staying on a single band per contest to get a feel for how that band plays around the clock. Do this at high, medium, and low sunspot activity levels. Good Listening, Tom N4KG actively DXing and Contesting since 1955. ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. ------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems, etc DX-NEWS http://njdxa.org/dx-news DX-CHAT: http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/
